Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Chinese language
Chandler writes that he has been building a log cabin. While he is writing the letter, several men are around and one "Chinaman," a cook, is asking questions about the meaning of words that Chandler is writing. Chandler allows the "Chinaman" to...
Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1860-1890; Pioneers; Correspondence; San Francisco (Calif.); Northern copperhead; Morning sickness
Chandler writes on various legal affairs pertaining to his property ownership. He writes that he is sorry to hear that Jane doesn’t “enjoy [her] breakfasts better” adding that “some mornings I am in the same way.” He adds, “I think you...
Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1860-1890; Pioneers; Correspondence; Virginia City (Nev.)
Chandler writes that the times have been “running very rough in the Spring and Summer as well as with most others.” He blames the U.S. Government for mining stock failures, and mentions that he “resigned [his] position in the Lady Bryan mine...
Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1860-1890; Pioneers; Correspondence; Eureka (Nev.); Spiritualism; Fortune-telling
Chandler has been working as a stonecutter. He corrects Jane’s notion that people in Eureka “are all a rough set of people.” He asserts that “this is a much better place to be poor in than New England.” Chandler discourages consulting...
Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; Pioneers; Correspondence; Virginia City (Nev.); Mining claims; West (U.S.) History 1860-1890; Northern copperhead; Medford (Mass.)
Chandler gives an update of his mining investments and property holdings. He lists many common acquaintances, mostly from Medford, whom he has seen. He writes Jane to “Tell father to be a peace Democrat, if they do call him Copperhead, I am with...
Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1860-1890; Pioneers; Correspondence; Lowell (Mass.); Westford (Mass.); Correspondence; Boardinghouses
Jane Chandler writes about health of family and acquaintances. She writes about her financial circumstances and what led her to go to work in Lowell’s mills. Speaking of her financial situation, she writes, “I am as willing to work for a living...
California; Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Hartland (Vt.); Native American
Chandler addresses his friends regarding his stay in California as a gold prospector. He writes, "I am bound to stick a while longer." He also wonders why someone named John "would be content to settle in Hartland." He guesses that "there must be...
Virginia Serenaders; Minstrels; Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.); Mining claims; Lowell (Mass.)
Chandler discourages Jane from working in the mills. He compares factory girls to servants and then describes California women, writing that "you would think to see them that they were mostly queens." He writes of the variety of females from...
Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1860-1890; Pioneers; Correspondence; San Francisco (Calif.); Greeley, Horace, 1811-1872
Chandler writes that he has become “tired of living in this country in this way” and he is “tired of a bachelor’s life.” He prefers a common name for the baby and gives consent to name the baby as Jane chooses.
Notations in pencil on the...
Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; San Francisco (Calif.)
This letter was written on Chandler’s arrival in San Francisco by boat. Chandler recounted the circumstances of his journey, the food, and the differences between cabin fare and steerage fare, and the “very bad” circumstances of deck...
Gold miners; Gold mines and mining; West (U.S.) History 1848-1860; Pioneers; Correspondence; Nevada County (Calif.)
Chandler is unhappy that Jane hasn’t written in “about two months,” and pleads with Jane to write “oftener.” Chandler mentions his assessment fees and writes that he does not plan to get in any more debt if he can avoid it. Chandler has...
